Beer And Sore Throats: Relief Or Health Risk?

Sore throats are a common ailment, especially during the cold and flu season. While some people turn to alcoholic drinks as a remedy, believing that alcohol can 'disinfect' the throat, this is a myth. Alcohol is more likely to irritate a sore throat than to soothe it. Alcohol has dehydrating effects, stripping the throat of its protective mucus layer and causing dryness and irritation. It can also cause inflammation, leading to a dry and scratchy throat. Additionally, alcohol can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and prolonging the recovery process. Instead of alcohol, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm liquids, such as herbal teas, warm water with lemon and honey, or throat lozenges, to keep the body hydrated and soothe the throat.

Alcohol can dehydrate you, worsening congestion

Drinking alcohol when you already have a sore throat is not a good idea. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases the amount of water that is expelled from the body. This can lead to dehydration, which in turn can worsen congestion. Dehydration strips the throat of its protective mucus layer, exposing it to irritation.

Dr. Robert Segal, Co-Founder of LabFinder, says, "You should not drink alcohol when you have a cold... Your immune system is already weakened when you are sick. Adding alcohol to that equation can only prolong the process of getting better."

Alcohol's dehydrating effect can leave you with a dry, scratchy, and irritated throat. It can also cause thirst, fatigue, and headaches. If you're already feeling under the weather, drinking alcohol can make you feel even worse.

In addition to dehydration, alcohol can also cause inflammation throughout the body, including the throat, leading to further discomfort. Its high acidity can also aggravate soreness.

So, if you're dealing with a sore throat, it's best to avoid alcohol and opt for other soothing beverages like warm water with lemon and honey, herbal tea, or warm salt water gargles. These alternatives can help keep you hydrated, soothe your throat, and speed up your recovery.

Alcohol can weaken your immune system

Drinking alcohol when you have a sore throat is generally not recommended. While it's a popular home remedy for a sore throat, there is no scientific evidence that alcohol has benefits in calming a sore throat. In fact, alcohol is likely to irritate a sore throat and prolong recovery. This is because alcohol weakens the immune system, making your body more susceptible to getting sick and slowing down recovery.

The immune system is how your body defends itself from infections and prevents you from getting sick. However, the immune system can become weak and fail to protect you against infection. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the unhealthy factors that can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections.

According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking too much alcohol weakens the immune system and makes you more prone to getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines excessive drinking as:

• Heavy drinking: eight or more drinks a week for women and 15 or more drinks a week for men.
• Binge drinking: four or more drinks in two to three hours for women, and five or more drinks in the same time period for men.
• Drinking while pregnant or younger than the legal drinking age of 21.

Alcohol alters the makeup of your gut microbiome, affecting the ability of microorganisms to support your immune system. It also seems to damage the immune cells that line the intestines and serve as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. By damaging these cells, alcohol makes it easier for pathogens to enter your bloodstream.

In addition to weakening your immune system, alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse. It can also interact negatively with certain cold medications, making it dangerous to mix alcohol with these medications. Therefore, it's generally best to refrain from drinking alcohol when you have a sore throat and to opt for other home remedies or medical treatments instead.

Alcohol disrupts sleep, hindering recovery

Alcohol is a depressant that can help you fall asleep faster. However, its effects quickly wear off as your body tries to eliminate it from your system. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the production of adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical in the brain, increases when drinking alcohol, allowing you to fall asleep quickly. However, this chemical quickly subsides, making you more prone to wake up during the night.

Drinking alcohol before bed has been linked to more slow-wave sleep patterns called delta activity, as well as alpha activity, which indicates wakefulness with eyes closed and often precedes sleep. Experiencing these two brain wave activities simultaneously is thought to hinder quality rest. Furthermore, alcohol inhibits REM sleep, which is considered the most mentally restorative phase of sleep.

Research has shown that alcohol negatively impacts sleep quality, regardless of consumption level. A 2018 study found that low alcohol intake reduced sleep quality by 9.3%, moderate intake by 24%, and heavy intake by nearly 40%. Alcohol was found to affect younger individuals more than older adults.

When you're sick, drinking alcohol can prolong your recovery by disrupting your sleep. Your body needs rest to recover, and alcohol can impair your sleep in several ways. While it may help you fall asleep initially, alcohol disrupts REM sleep, leaving you feeling groggy in the morning. It also activates alpha activity, preventing you from getting the deep sleep your body needs. Not getting enough sleep can worsen your symptoms and slow down your recovery.

Alcohol interacts negatively with some cold medications

Drinking alcohol while taking medication can be dangerous and have serious health consequences, including overdose and death. Alcohol can alter the way medications are metabolised, absorbed, and their overall pharmacological effects on the body. Further, certain medications can alter the absorption and metabolism of alcohol, potentially resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations.

Drinking alcohol with cold medication can be especially dangerous. For example, acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications, can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol. This is because both substances are metabolised in the liver, and the combination can lead to toxic levels in the body.

Another common antihistamine, chlorpheniramine maleate, which treats symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, can have its side effects worsened by alcohol. These side effects include drowsiness and nausea.

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are common nasal decongestants that help clear sinuses. However, when combined with alcohol, they may cause difficulty sleeping and headaches.

It is important to carefully read the labels on any medication you are taking and consult with a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about potential interactions with alcohol.

Warm liquids, honey, ginger and lemon can help soothe a sore throat

Drinking warm liquids is a great way to soothe a sore throat. They help to lubricate the throat and alleviate pain. Honey, lemon, and ginger are all ingredients that can be added to warm water to make a soothing drink for a sore throat.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It can also help to soothe pain caused by a cough or congestion. In addition, honey has antibacterial properties, which can help to fight off infection.

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system. It also contains other nutrients like potassium and B vitamins. The high levels of vitamin C in lemon make it a popular choice for drinks when one has a cold or sore throat. Lemon juice can also help to cut through congestion.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the throat, making it easier to breathe. The spicy flavour of ginger also helps to clear mucus and phlegm. In addition, ginger has been shown to prevent the influenza virus from infecting human cells.

To make a soothing drink for a sore throat, one can combine honey, lemon, and ginger with warm water. This drink can be consumed throughout the day, and one may adjust the ingredients to taste.

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